Learn the Difference Between HSS And Tungsten Carbide in 3 Minutes

First, cemented carbide retains its hardness at higher temperatures than HSS, so it is more suitable for faster cutting. Even though it is slightly more expensive than HSS, it can last 5 to 10 times longer depending on the application, reducing the overall cost.

From the point of view of machining performance, carbide tools can effectively improve the surface finish and then control the size of the workpiece far better than high-speed steel.

Despite the relatively high price of cemented carbide products, people still develop ways to reduce the cost of materials by using cemented carbide only on the cutting edge or cutting edge. The valve body and stem are made of low-cost hardened tool steel. In this way, the total cost is greatly reduced.

In the past few years, the popularity of carbide cutting tools has gradually increased, but objectively speaking, it still cannot replace HSS in the general working range. Mainly because HSS tools are easy to use and cost-effective and most work environments.

Also, carbide is difficult to sharpen. Therefore, they are usually purchased as inserts and replaced when chipped or worn. While it can withstand compression well, its tensile strength is low. The carbide tip must always be in the correct position on the lathe drill. Moving the cut point below the centerline creates more force, which will break it apart.

Although HSS tools do not last as long as carbide tools, they do have higher resistance and brittleness and are the best choice for deep cuts with small nose sizes in hard materials. Also, they are easier to sharpen for the average user. They can be easily sharpened with an alumina grinding wheel.

So a useful tip for choosing which type to use is whether you can do the sharpening yourself. Carbide tools can last a long time before they become dull but are quiet for re-grinding by diamond grinding wheels. If you can grind it, carbide tools will by far be the best choice for most metalworking typical applications. After all, cemented carbide is superior to HSS in most cases. When cutting softer materials such as aluminum and plastics, HSS end mills are more than capable.

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